Apple Stores in Chicago were the target of “an organized criminal enterprise,” resulting in the arrest of six people from New York State, according to a new report, citing Lake County authorities.
The sheriff’s office claims that the suspects made fraudulent purchases from Apple Stores using stolen identities and credit cards.
Detectives and highway patrol deputies from the sheriff’s office started carrying out increased patrols and surveillance at the Deer Park Apple Store after another nearby Apple retail store was targeted. The investigation wound up in the arrest of six people, mainly in their early twenties, although the oldest was 41-years-old.
Investigating authorities were able to recover more than $10,000 of stolen Apple products from the suspects, all of whom have been charged with multiple felonies.
Given the popularity — and, presumably, the easy resellability — of Apple products, it’s no surprise that this is far from the first time we’ve heard about similar criminal schemes involving Apple Store. Last year, an Apple Store employee in New York was charged with grand larceny after purchasing an astonishing $997,000 worth of Apple gift cards using fake debit and credit cards.
Just as audaciously, two teenage thieves were recently arrested after trying to steal iPhones from an Apple Store while dressed as Apple Store employees.
Source Chicago Tribune
